Field experiments were conducted to assess the efficiency of different forms and methods of urea application for direct sown rice under intermediate deep water situation (15–50 cm). Basal application of N @ 40 kg/ha in the form of prilled urea (PU); urea super granules (USG); and sulphur coated urea (SCU); were tested with a view to improving the early vigour, tillering and grain yield. Deep placement of prilled urea behind a plough; USG placement between rows in moist soil; and also in shallow water were found to increase the recovery of nitrogen. There was no deleterious effect on stand establishment when the seed and fertilizer @ 40, 8.6 and 16.6 kg N, P and K per hectare respectively were drilled in the same furrow in moist soil. Split application of either conditioned urea or application as a foliar spray did not prove effective in an intermediate deep water rice situation.